Comptroller Can’t Stay Away from Ground Zero

Time was, the Governor handled, or tried to handle, matters down at Ground Zero. Next came the Mayor, and now it’s City Comptroller Bill Thompson! It turns out the Port Authority had asked to get a hand-out from Battery Park City revenues, which Thompson helps to oversee, to cover redevelopment costs at the World Trade Center site. In a letter today to PA Executive Director Ken Ringler, Thompson writes: “As I reviewed your request, it became apparent that these shortfalls could not be explained in light of the significant funding already dedicated to this project.” He also calls Ringler’s response, apparently sent earlier today or late yesterday to Thompson’s information request, “inappropriate and offensive.” We have asked for a copy of that letter, and the Port Authority’s side in the latest dust up.

And tomorrow everyone was supposed to come together and break ground me on the memorial (for the second time).